Prince Harry and Meghan ‘at heart’ of King’s funeral plans: report

New details have emerged about the strategy being discussed in the event of the King’s death – and how the Sussexes would factor in.

IN LONDON

Despite a very well-publicised and years-long rift, it’s been revealed that King Charles has factored Prince Harry, Meghan, and their two children into “the heart” of his funeral plans.

The UK’s Telegraph reports that the Montecito-based family will be central to proceedings surrounding the monarch’s death, which, per tradition, are always planned out years in advance and with input from the “royal household, police, the military, and the Church”.

It’s no reflection of the King’s health and there is no suggestion that his reign will not continue for years to come.

However, when the time comes, the publication claims that the King is “adamant” that Harry “take his rightful place at the heart of his funeral plans”.

Many elements of the plan will likely follow those laid out following the late Queen Elizabeth’s death in September 2022, including the royal procession through the streets of central London, which is expected to feature the Duke of Sussex walking side-by-side with Prince William – who will at that time have ascended the throne.

The royal siblings and their wives briefly reunited during events around the late Queen’s death in September 2022. Picture: Kirsty O'Connor/Pool/AFP

While the King lies in state in Westminster Hall, as his mother did, both Harry and Meghan will also be invited to take part in the family vigil.

Their children, Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4, are set to be offered inclusion at their grandfather’s funeral service and also the committal at St George’s Chapel in Windsor afterwards, according to the Telegraph.

While plenty of the arrangements are set to remain traditional, it’s understood the King has tweaked elements of proceedings to reflect his interests, including environmentalism, with sustainable options used wherever available.

The latest development comes just days after The Mail on Sunday reported that Harry plans to send an email inviting the King and other senior royals to attend the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham.

It would be followed by a formal invitation at a later date.

The King (front and centre) with William, Harry and Princess Anne ahead of the committal service for the late Queen in 2022. Picture: Leon Neal/Pool/AFP

“Harry has agreed that Invictus should extend an invitation to his family,” a source told the MoS.

“Invictus hopes the Royal Family will come along to support the wounded veterans taking part. Harry is hopeful his father will set aside their differences to attend the Invictus Games and support veterans.

“The Royals have always been hugely supportive of Invictus and proud of what Harry has achieved in that arena. This is one olive branch from him which might be reciprocated.”

If accepted, it would mean Harry could be pictured with his estranged family for the first time since 2022 and would mark a significant turning point in the ongoing feud, which was sparked before Harry and Meghan sensationally quit royal duties and moved to the US.

In his explosive BBC interview last month, Harry made it clear he was hoping to reconcile with his estranged family after exchanging public barbs in recent years.

“There’s no point in continuing to fight any more,” he told the broadcaster.

“Life is precious … Forgiveness is 100 per cent a possibility because I would like to get my father and brother back.”

Originally published as Prince Harry and Meghan ‘at heart’ of King’s funeral plans: report